Kimberley Queen Fern

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

This ‘Queen’ of ferns is a relative of the quintessential Boston fern we are more familiar with which is actually a hybrid of the Australian Sword fern, or a variant of it, if you will. Unlike a Boston fern with its gracefully arching fronds, Australian Sword fern fronds are straight, upright and narrow, giving this fern a regal appearance. And, again, like the Boston fern, it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.

A native of Australia and New Guinea, Zones 9a through 11b, Kimberly Queen is grown as an annual container plant or houseplant in Zones 2-8. While it can be planted in your landscape, it performs best as a large container plant. Indoors it provides the benefit of improving your air quality and is non-toxic for pets. Kimberly Queen Australian Sword Fern is easy to care for once you have given it what it needs to be at its best.

Kimberley Queen Fern Care

Requiring moist but never soggy soil, Sword ferns do well with an average potting soil amended with peat moss to help retain moisture. Bright light to part shade, never full sun or full shade, not allowing it to dry completely out, monthly feedings with a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 diluted to ¼ or ½ strength, are about all it needs to be lush and green. Aphids, mealybugs and spider mites may infest, so treat with a mild soapy wash at the first sign of insects. Soil pH can range from 6.1 slightly acidic to 7.5 neutral.

Deadheading is not necessary. If fronds become brown and dry, they can be pruned back to the soil. Browning foliage is an indication of too much fertilizer and a dry frond may just be an older one that can be pruned. Use a sharp scissors that has been sterilized to prevent transmission of diseases. Sword ferns look wonderful in combination with caladiums, croton, superbena and petunias for a spring to fall display on your lightly shaded porch or patio.

Kimberley Queen Fern Spacing

Proper spacing of Kimberly Queen fern is important as it can reach a height of 36 inches and spread out 36 inches. Planting one alone in a large container will allow it to spread out in a mounding sphere and is quite attractive. If with other plants or massed out in your bright light indirect sun landscape, give plants 18 to 24 inches of space in between to promote air circulation and help prevent insect infestations.

SKU:

NEPKQ